Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Parents Hosting Edition

Wedding invitation wording can be a tricky task, but it's a chance to express your style and give guests a glimpse of what to expect from your big day. The wording you choose can also indicate the level of formality, from black-tie to casual. The good news is that the rules of wedding invitation etiquette are simpler than you might think and are there to serve as guidelines. Here are some tips on what to say on your wedding invitations when the event is hosted by parents.

How to word an invitation when the bride's parents are hosting

The wording of a wedding invitation is important as it provides essential details about the wedding, such as the couple's full names, the hosts, the ceremony location, and the reception venue. Here is a guide on how to word an invitation when the bride's parents are hosting:

Host Line

Traditionally, the bride's parents are the hosts and are named at the top of the invitation. However, including the names of both sets of parents as hosts is also a gracious option. If the couple and their parents are contributing, you can use something like "Together with their parents" or "Together with their families".

• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Timothy Williams (very formal; middle name is included)
• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Williams (formal)
• Mr. and Mrs. Christopher and Sarah Williams (formal; includes both first names)
• Christopher and Sarah Williams (less formal)

If the bride's parents are divorced, include the mother's name first, followed by the father's name, each on a separate line.

Attendance Request

This is where you invite guests to attend the wedding. Here are some examples of wording for this section:

• "The pleasure of your company"
• "At the marriage of their children"
• "Would love for you to join them"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Honor of your presence"

Couple's Names

The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text and sometimes in a fancy typeface. For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically goes first, followed by the groom's full name and title. For same-sex couples, you can list the names in alphabetical order by last name or based on what looks best with the invitation design.

Date and Time

For formal invitations, the date and time should be written out in full, for example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon". For more casual invitations, it is fine to use numerals.

Location

Write the name and full street address of the venue, including the city, state, and zip code. If the wedding is abroad, include the country as well. The venue's street address is usually only included if the venue is a private residence.

Reception Details

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply say "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". If the reception is at a different location, include the full address and other details on a separate card. If you are not serving a full meal, you can say something like "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing".

How to word an invitation when the groom's parents are hosting

When the groom's parents are hosting the wedding, the invitation should include their full names, with the father's name listed first, followed by the mother's. For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their son Jack Alexander to Mason Jacob Kim

If the couple is hosting the wedding together with the groom's parents, the invitation can be worded as follows:

> Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim together with their parents Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company at their wedding

The invitation should also include the date, time, and location of the wedding, as well as any additional information such as the dress code or reception details. Here is an example of how to word the invitation:

> Mr. and Mrs. John L. Smith request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their son Jack Alexander to Mason Jacob Kim on Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four at [venue name and address] Black-tie optional. Reception to follow at [reception venue name and address]

If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, the invitation can simply state:

> The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of Jack Alexander Smith to Mason Jacob Kim

Remember to use formal language and spelling throughout the invitation, including writing out dates and times in full.

How to word an invitation when both sets of parents are hosting

When both sets of parents are hosting a wedding, there are a few ways to word the invitation. Here are some examples:

Formal Wording

When the couple's parents are divorced

If the couple's parents are divorced and you want to include all parents as hosts, you can include them all, keeping each parent on a separate line. If you're going to include the name of a stepparent, keep it on the same line as their partner. It might seem complex at first, but all it requires is a few more lines. Here is an example of how a bride with divorced (and remarried) parents worded the wedding invitation:

> Dr. Vance and Elizabeth Gregory

> Mr. James Abner and Lydia Abner

> Mr. Harold and Jane Hyland

> invite you to the wedding of their children

> Amy Abner and Charles Hyland

> 01.06.18 | 4 p.m.

> Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church

> Newport, California

> Reception immediately after

When both sets of parents are married

For different-sex couples, list the bride's parents' names at the top of the invite, then the groom's parents' names. For same-sex couples, list the names according to preference or in the order that looks best with the invitation design.

> Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Wong

> and

> Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hollis

> request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children

> Olivia Rose and John Michael

> Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four

> at half after four in the afternoon

> [venue name and address]

> Reception to follow

Informal Wording

When both sets of parents are married

For different-sex couples, the bride's name typically goes first, followed by the groom's name. If the bride's parents' names are listed at the top, the bride's name can just be her first and middle name (without last name).

> Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith

> Mark Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reyes

> request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children

> Olivia Rose and John Michael

> Saturday, August 17, 2024

> at 4:30 in the afternoon

> [venue name and address]

> Merriment to follow

When the couple's parents are divorced

If the couple's parents are divorced and you want to include all parents as hosts, you can include them all, keeping each parent on a separate line. If a parent has remarried, include their new partner's name on the same line.

> Kenzie Smith and Jennifer Smith

> Mark Franklin and Sally Reyes

> invite you to share and celebrate the marriage of their children

> Olivia Rose and John Michael

> Saturday, August 17, 2024

> at 4:30 in the afternoon

> [venue name and address]

> Reception to follow

How to word an invitation when the couple is hosting

The wording of a wedding invitation is an important part of the planning process. It sets the tone for the event and conveys essential information. Here are some tips and examples to help you word your invitations when the couple is hosting:

Host Line:

The host line is typically where the names of the event hosts are mentioned. If the couple is hosting, you can choose to omit this line or start the invitation with a warm and welcoming introduction such as:

• "Together with full hearts"
• "With hearts full of love and joy"
• "Together with their families"
• "Together with our families"

Attendance Request:

The attendance request line lets guests know what they are being invited to. You can use phrases such as:

• "The pleasure of your company"
• "Invite you to celebrate with them"
• "Would love for you to join them"

Couple's Names:

The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text and sometimes in a fancy typeface. For heterosexual couples, the bride's name traditionally comes first, while for same-sex couples, you can list the names alphabetically or based on what looks best with the invitation design.

Date and Time:

For formal invitations, the date and time are usually spelled out in full. For example, "Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand twenty-one, at half after four in the afternoon." For modern or casual invitations, you can use numerical figures but choose a legible font to avoid confusion.

Location:

Include the name and full address of the wedding venue, including the city, state, and zip code. If the wedding is abroad, provide the country as well.

Reception Details:

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, simply state "Reception to follow." If the reception is elsewhere, you can include the full address on a separate details card tucked into the invitation.

Dress Code (Optional):

Including dress code information is optional but can be helpful for guests. Mention the dress code in the lower corner or bottom centre of the invite, or use a details card or wedding website to share this information.

Examples of Formal Wording:

• "The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of [Couple's Names] [Date] at [Time] at [Venue Name and Address] Reception to follow."
• "[Couple's Names] request the honour of your presence at the celebration of their marriage [Date] at [Time] at [Venue Name and Address] Reception to follow."

Examples of Casual Wording:

• "[Couple's Names] invite you to share in their joy at their wedding [Date] at [Time] at [Venue Name and Address] Reception to follow."
• "[Couple's Names] and their families invite you to their wedding [Date] at [Time] at [Venue Name and Address] Reception to follow."

How to word an invitation when the couple and both sets of parents are hosting

When the couple and both sets of parents are hosting the wedding, there are a few ways to word the invitation. Here are some examples:

Formal Wording

The biggest hallmark of formal wording is that everything is spelled out. Specifically, the date and time should be written out in full, and the full names of the hosts and individuals getting married should be included, along with middle names.

> Mr. and Mrs. Kenzie M. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Mark Franklin request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children, Olivia Rose and John Michael, on Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four, at half after four in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

> Olivia Rose Smith and John Michael Reyes, together with their parents, Kenzie M. Smith and Jennifer L. Smith, and Mark Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reyes, request the honour of your presence at their wedding on Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four, at half after four in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

Fun Wording

For a fun twist, focus on the celebratory aspect of the occasion.

> Kenzie Smith and Jennifer Smith, and Mark and Sally Reyes, hope you'll join them on the dance floor to celebrate the marriage of their children, Olivia Rose and John Michael, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Merriment to follow.

> Olivia Rose Smith and John Michael Reyes, with their parents, Kenzie Smith and Jennifer Smith, and Mark and Sally Reyes, request you to eat, drink and be merry at their wedding on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Dinner and dancing to follow.

Casual Wording

For a more casual affair, the request to attend can be more conversational, and numbers can be used to convey the date and time.

> Kenzie and Jennifer Smith, along with Mark and Sally Reyes, invite you to share and celebrate the marriage of their children, Olivia Rose and John Michael, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

> Jack Alexander Smith and Mason Jacob Kim, together with their parents, invite you to their wedding on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

Creative Wording

Feel free to get creative with the wording, especially if your wedding has a strong theme.

> Kenzie and Jennifer Smith, and Mark and Sally Reyes, can't wait to celebrate with you at the marriage of their children, Olivia Rose and John Michael, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Party to follow.

> Jack Smith and Mason Kim, together with their parents, invite you as they say "I do" on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Party to follow.

Modern Wording

Modern invitations can change up the order of details and include more casual language.

> Kenzie and Jennifer Smith, and Mark and Sally Reyes, hope you will attend the marriage of their children, Olivia Rose and John Michael, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

> Jack Smith and Mason Kim, and their joyful parents, hope you will attend their wedding on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

Simple Wording

Keep it short, sweet, and to the point.

> Kenzie and Jennifer Smith, and Mark and Sally Reyes, invite you to the wedding of their children, Olivia Rose and John Michael, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

> Jack Smith and Mason Kim, and their families, invite you to their wedding on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow.

Frequently asked questions